NCAA March PREVIEW

It's finally March! And that means only one thing..other than Baseball Spring Training. NCAA Basketball Conference Championships begin this week all the way through to March 15th. Then the Madness Starts!!!! This is my preview of a few major conferences and things to come over the next 2 weeks before the Field of 68 is announced. 

There are a few conferences that stand out more than others going into the college Post-Season. The Big Ten is looking to put 8 teams into the Field, but there are a few teams that will need strong showings in the Big Ten Tournament to make their cases that they deserve a shot to play for the Championship.

First off, the Purdue Boilermakers sit at a record of 19-10 (11-5 in conference). Even though they have a strong conference record, their out of conference record isn't that great including bad losses to the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs and the Ospreys of North Florida. One non-conference game that Purdue was expected to lose is the #12 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They have three big in conference wins against #20 Ohio State, #22 Indiana and #25 Iowa. At this point before the tourney starts, Purdue has made it's case and sits right now in my Final Four In. Let's see how the rest of their regular season shapes up with games against Michigan State 19-10 (10-6 in Conference) and Illinois 18-11 (8-8 in Conference) and if they can make a run in the conference tournament. 

The Michigan State Spartans have struggled this season but they sit at 19-10 overall and are 10-6 in conference. Their non-conference loss to Texas Southern and in conference foe Nebraska, look bad, but overall with a non-conference schedule that has included #3 Duke (26-3, 13-3), #11 Kansas and #21 Notre Dame, the Spartans have battled through a very tough schedule this season. The Spartans are my favorite team and March tends to be the time that Michigan State, led by coach Tom Izzo, tends to step up their game. Let's see what happens when they face Purdue and then Indiana to close the regular season, before they start conference tourney play. If healthy, the Spartans can be a dark horse come March Madness time, but that's a big IF. They should make the Field of 68 regardless. 

The Big Ten has two Top-10 teams currently with #10 Maryland and #6 Wisconsin headlining the conference. Ohio State also appears to be a lock for the NCAA's. 

Looking at the ACC now, #2 Virginia clinched their 2nd consecutive conference championship tonight. The first team to do so other than teams named Duke or North Carolina in quite some time. This is a rather deep conference especially when you have two top 5 teams in the Cavaliers and Blue Devils ranked #2 and #3 respectively. #12 Notre Dame a record of 24-5 overall and a 12-4 Conference record is amongst the top teams in the conference and the Nation along with the #16 Louisville Cardinals (23-6, 11-5) and the #19 North Carolina Tar Heels (20-9, 10-6) round out the top teams in the conference. NC State has surprised a few teams this year as well. The ACC Conference tournament could possibly be the conference tourney to watch during Championship Week with Coach K, Roy Williams and the top ranked Virginia Cavaliers lurking. 

Now it's time for the Kentucky Conference, I mean the SEC. Led by the Undefeated and #1 Kentucky Wildcats, there are a few teams in the conference that could make a splash in the post-season. Kentucky outshines everyone with their team of cyborgs. They are about 10 team of young studs that are atleast 6'6" in height and have rolled to their current record of 29-0. They have been tested a few times, but none the less have remained undefeated. Since I don't see them losing in the regular season, the Wildcats need to lose in the Conference Tournament so they have a sense of what defeat feels like going into the NCAA Tournament ranked as the overall #1 seed. The #18 Arkansas Razorbacks (23-6, 12-4) are one of the other teams in the conference that I see as a very strong club heading to the post-season and are more than capable of making a splash in the Field of 68. The Lousiana State Tigers are unranked, but have a very respectable record of 21-8 overall and are 10-6 in conference play. The Championship is Kentucky's to lose. It's basically a Championship or Bust year for John Calipari's Club. 

As far as the Big 12 goes, #11 Kansas leads the way, but this year wasn't as easy for the Jayhawks. #14 Baylor (22-8, 10-7) have had another good season. They lost to Texas tonight 61-59 in overtime, while #15 Oklahoma (20-8, 11-5) and the #17 Cyclones of Iowa State (20-8, 10-6) are also legitimate conference contenders to compete with the top dog Jayhawks. The Sooners and Cyclones also faced off in a late regular season match-up tonight at Iowa State. Currently the Sooners are winning big in the 2nd half. This game could have big implications for Conference Tourney seeding. Until proven otherwise, it's Rock Chalk Jayhawks in the conference Tourney. 

The Pac-12 this year has been pretty weak. #5 ranked Arizona Wildcats have had an outstanding season posting a record of 26-3 and an impressive 14-2 conference record thus far. The #13 Utah Utes (22-6, 12-4) are the only other most impressive team in the conference to watch in the post-season. Other than these two teams, the only other one that has had a decent season are the unranked Oregon Ducks (22-8, 12-5). 

These four conferences are the ones that will headline the tournament with multiple teams for sure who will make the Big Dance. There is one team though out west that is more than worth mentioning and that's the #3 ranked Zags of Gonzaga (29-2, 17-1). Their only conference loss came this weekend to unranked BYU. It was their first home loss in their last 40+ home games. It was the longest home winning streak in the Nation. 

All these teams that I have mentioned in this article, they all just want to get started with the Madness and I have to say, that I CAN'T WAIT! BRING ON THE MADNESS! I'll have a Tournament Preview once all these conference tourneys have concluded. 

2015 Chicago Baseball Outlook

2015 Chicago Baseball Outlook

Chicago has been a big focus point on the baseball world this offseason. With what started at the Winter meetings, there have been major acquisitions on both sides of town. But before I get into that, let’s look back at how abysmal last year was for both teams.

Let’s start with the White Sox. Despite having the Rookie of the Year, powerful Jose Abreu who crushed 36 homers and drove in 107 runs in his first season in the big leagues, he was really the only bright spot for a team that struggled throughout the season and failed to get to 75 wins on the season. They finished the year with a record of 73-89 and they look to improve on that record by atleast 10 wins this year. I’m not a fan of the Sox at all, but with the additions they made I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished about .500 in 2015.

The Cubs actually finished with the exact same record last year as the White Sox, finishing their 2014 campaign 73-89. There were a few bright spots on this Cubs team. Anthony Rizzo had a bounce back season for a team who were near the bottom of the Majors in every major offensive category. They were 26^th in runs scored, 27^th in batting average, 28^th in on base percentage and then a decent 14^th in Slugging Percentage. Rizzo crushed 32 homers, but drove in only 78 runs which actually led the team. Shortstop Starlin Castro led the team with a .292 batting average. Near the end of a season that saw many minor league call ups, this young team finally started showing some spark and promise for years to come. Then came this off-season where major changes occurred on the North Side.

As far as additions go, they start with the signing of two key pitchers. The Sox managed to pull off a trade with the Oakland Athletics for right hander Jeff “The Shark” Samardzija. Cubs fans probably aren’t pleased that their teams ex-pitcher will be baring the White and Black this year. Samardzija will be the number two starter behind ace Chris Sale, forming a very formidable 1, 2 punch for the sox who needed that second pitcher behind Sale. John Danks, Jose Quintana will also be middle to back of the rotation guys in 2015. Another weakness that the White Sox had last year and that ended up costing them a good handful of games was their bullpen. They addressed and solidified that this off season as well. They signed Setup man Zach Duke to a contract, but the biggest addition was to the back end of the pen. They stepped in front of the Yankees bidding and signed righty flamethrower David Robertson. If he can stay healthy and consistent, he’ll be closing games on the South Side for years to come.

The Sox also were able to bring back second baseman Gordon Beckham after a 2014 season out with the Angels. They signed first baseman/DH Adam Laroche to replace veteran and now retired Paul Konerko, who actually I had the privilege of going to Paul Konerko night where the ball club honored him. They also added a couple key outfielders in Free Agents Emilio Bonafacio who actually had a really good 2014 season across town for the Cubs last year before they dealt him to the Braves at the trade deadline and Left Fielder Melky Cabrera.

With all these additions to the White Sox team this offseason I see them vastly improving over last year and finishing above .500.  My prediction for the year, 85-77.

If that wasn’t impressive enough for the city of Chicago. There were even bigger additions on the North Side. Starting with the firing of Manager Rick Renteria. The Cubs staff interviewed and hired established and proven winner, Joe Maddon to replace Renteria. Theo Epstein and Co. didn’t stop there. They went to the Winter Meetings and landed Free Agent Southpaw, Jon Lester, winning a bidding war for the lefty between themselves, the Red Sox and Giants. Lester joins and now headlines a pitching staff that showed signs of brilliance last year. Jake Arrieta who many thought if they didn’t get Lester would have been the #1 starter for the Cubs this season. But now the youngster, will be #2 behind the dominant ace. 

Last season, Jake Arrieta finished the season 10-5 with a 2.53 ERA and 167 strikeouts. he flirted with a few no-hitters in the process and if he continues his dominance in 2015, behind Lester he’ll have great success. I like Jon Lester’s move to the National League and Wrigley Field that is a hitter’s friendly park. Jon went 16-11 in 2014 with a 2.46 ERA and 220 strikeouts. That my friends is a workhorse. 

Other additions the Cubs made came at the catcher position. They signed Lester’s “personal” catcher David Ross, who caught Lester’s games in Boston and they also signed Miguel Montero. They brought back starting pitcher Jason Hammel who they traded away to Oakland in the Jeff Samardjiza deal. They also traded for Utility Man Dexter Fowler and signed another utility man in Chris Denorfia.

With the strong foundation of Cubs talent the Cubs had at the end of last season and the rumor that phenom third baseman Kris Bryant will be up by mid-May, I see bright things for the Cubs this season. They could win 90 if the team stays healthy. My prediction, 87-75 and possibly a wild card.

Remembering "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks

-Ryan Cole, SportsTownChicago.com

Let’s Play Two! Those were the words, spoken quite often by none other than Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks himself. Ernest “Ernie” Banks was born on January 31, 1931. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. His baseball career began when he entered the Negro Leagues in 1950. He was a member of the Kansas City Monarchs during his time in the league. Ernie served in the U.S. Military for two years and returned to the Monarchs after that before he started his major league career in September of 1953. Ernie played his entire career with the Chicago Cubs during his 19 seasons. During this time, he made his first of 14 All-Star appearances in 1955. He was also named National League MVP in back to back years 1958 and 59. He also received his first and only Golden Glove Award as a shortstop in 1960. After his time at shortstop, he switched to left field during the 1961 season, but that wasn’t his final position change. He ended up being put at first base to finish that season.

From 1967 to 1971, Ernie did something you don’t see now a days. He was not only a player for the Cubs, but he was also a coach. In 1970, he hit his 500th Home Run. Then in 1972, he joined the Cubs coaching staff after he retired as a player. Eric found himself very active in the City of Chicago. During and after his time with the Cubs. He was the founder of a charitable organization, while also becoming the first black Ford Motor Company dealer in the US. In the Summer of 1977, Mr. Cub himself, was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Then in 1999, he was named to the MLB All-Century team. In 2013, Ernie was awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom for his contribution to sports. 

Growing up, Ernie was one of twelve kids. He was the second oldest. His father who worked construction and who was a warehouse loader for a grocery chain, also played baseball for black Semi-Pro teams in Texas. When Banks was a child, he liked swimming, basketball and football. He enjoyed these three sports actually more than Baseball. His father had to buy him a glove for less than three dollars and bribed him with nickels and dimes, just so he would play catch. Ernie’s mother on on the other hand, would encourage him to become a minister like one of his grandfathers. He graduated from High School in 1950. While in High School, he played Basketball, Football and Track. Since the school didn’t have baseball, Ernie fast pitch softball for a church team during the summer. He also played semi-pro baseball for the Amarillo Colts. 

Ernie’s history professor Timothy Gilfoyle wrote that Banks was discovered by Bill Blair, who was a family friend who scouted for the Monarchs. There are other sources, claiming that he was noticed by Cool Papa Bell of the Monarchs. During his time in the Army, Ernie served in Germany during the Korean War. He served as a flag bearer in the 45th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion at Fort Bliss. While there, he played part time for the very entertaining Harlem Globetrotters. I’ve actually had the pleasure of watching the Globetrotters play. It would have been something if Ernie was on the team when I did. 

In 1953, he was discharged from the Army and he finished that season with the Monarchs and hit to the tune of a .347 batting average. Ernie said later, that playing for the Monarch’s was like his schooling, his world, his whole entire life. He actually didn’t even want to leave the team and his teammates when he was sold to the Cubs. Mr. Cub signed with the Cubbies during the Fall of 1953. He made his major league debut at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field on September 17th at the young age of 22. Ernie was actually one of a handful of former negro players who joined the majors without ever playing a single game of Minor League ball. He was also the first black player in Chicago Cubs history. During the first game he played, he was visited by Jackie Robinson which influenced his quiet presence in the game. Jckie told Banks, “Ernie, I’m glad to see you’re up here so now just listen and learn. For years, I didn’t talk and learned alot about different people.” 

In 1954, his official Rookie season, him and second baseman, Gene Baker, who was actually the second Cubs black player, formed the first All-Black Double Play Duo in Major League History. That season Ernie finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Wally Moon. The following season though, was a huge second season for Ernie. He had a batting average of .295 to go along with an amazing 44 Home Runs and 117 RBI’s. He ended up making his first of 14 All-Star appearances that year and his Home Run total ended up being a single-season record amongst shortstops. In Grand fashion also that year, he broke a 30-year record, hitting five Grand Slams in a single season. That year he finished third in MVP voting. In 1958 and 1959 though, he became the first National League player to win back to back MVP awards. On December 1, 1971, Ernie retired as a player and just assisted as a coach. Banks ended up finishing his career with 512 Home Runs, 277 of them coming as a shortstop. That was a record at the time of his retirement. Mr Cub got his nickname as well as Mr. Sunshine due to his personality, popularity as well as his positive attitude. 

He was known for his catchphrase, “It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame...Let’s Play Two!” Ernie was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, collecting votes on 321 of the 383 allotted ballots. His number 14 Jersey was retired in 1982. 

As you can see, just from everything I’ve researched about Ernie, he was quite the influence on not only the game of baseball, but his friends and family, teammates and fans of the game of baseball as well. Ernie’s long road to get to where he did as a player and person, was quite impressive. His charisma as a player and person and his leadership in the clubhouse on both the Monarchs and then the Cubs did not go unnoticed and was extraordinary. His teammates all loved and respected him. 

Just the other day though on January 23rd, 2015, eight days before his birthday, Ernie lost his life. It’s been a sad week for his family and friends, but also the fans of the Cubs and of baseball. His funeral and his burial was held on his birthday. I had the privilege of watching his funeral and the way everyone spoke about Ernie, you know how much of an impact he had on everyone. Ernie, you will be missed, we love you! #14 R.I.P. 

OLYMPIC UPDATE

The United States had an impressive opening weekend at the Sochi Olympics, capturing two Gold and three Bronze medals. That puts the US in a three way tie for second in the overall medal count early on in these Winter Games. Norway tops the field with seven medals, including two Golds of their own. Joining the US with five medals so far are Canada and host country Russia. The US's first two Golds of these games both came in the Snowboarding category. Sage Kotsenburg took home Gold in the men's Slopestyle event, while Jamie Anderson did the same on the women's side. The Men's Slopestyle was the first medal event, and Sage's score of 93.50 is hopefully a sign of good things to come for the US. Hannah Kearney took home Bronze in the Women's Moguls event in the Freestyle Skiing category and Julia Mancuso nabbed another Bronze in the Alpine Skiing Women's Super Combined event. The other US medal was earned by their Figure Skating team, featuring eight of America's best and brightest skating stars - both men and women. The US women's hockey team set an Olympic record when they scored three goals in just 55 seconds during the first period of their 9-0 rout of Switzerland, winning their second game in the preliminary round.

Thursday College BBall LIVE

This Thursday LIVE on our sister station of ChicagolandSportsRadio.com, we will be brodcating TWO LIVE college basketball games. Moraine Valley CC Mens and Womens games starting at approx 515pm. TUNE IN!

UIC vs. Youngstown

UIC Flames VS Youngstown State Penguins.  January 7, 2014.

It was the battle of the winless.  The Penguins came into this matchup coming off two tough conference road losses to Milwaukee, and Green Bay.  While the Flames dropped their conference opener on the road at Valparaiso, who won the Horizon League last season.

The Flames started off hot at home, behind Purdue transfer Kelsey Barlow and ended up only trailing by one at the half.  Barlow was playing outstanding going 5-9 from the field with 15 points.

While the Penguins were led by Preseason Horizon League Conference Player Of The Year Nominee Kendrick Perry, who was 5-5 from the field with 12 points, and 3 assists.

The Flames shot 50% from the field, while the Penguins managed to shoot a miraculous 65% going into the second half.

However this is when trouble started to brew for the Flames.

The Penguins came out strong the second half going on a 15-0 run led by Kendrick Perry and Kamren Belin.  Belin along with Ryan Weber combined for five threes down the stretch to seal the deal.  Belin finished with 15 points going 6-13 from the field, for the Penguins.

The run was eventually broken up at the eleven minute mark in the second half, after a made lay in from Ahman Fells.

The Penguins would eventually cruise to a 75-62 victory getting their first conference victory of the season.  Perry led all scorers with 23 points, and tallied 7 assists.

For the third game in a row the Flames blew early leads, and Barlow was held to only two points in the second half, finishing with 15 points for the Flames.

The Flames remain the only winless team in conference play, and will head to Dayton Sunday evening, for a matchup with Wright State.

The Penguins now improve to 10-8 on the season and will have a string of four straight home games, starting Monday, facing off against Cleveland State.

The Flames now drop to 5-11, however the Flames still hold the all time series lead against the Penguins 24-8.

Derek Spallone

Follow me on Twitter: @sportsbloggerDS

To see what Kendrick Perry had to say about the game and the season, check out my interview with him below.

Kendrick Perry Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3CkrA7Bnw4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUYsv5ql2E5acZd6Ca5wO87Q